Best 2 Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipes

In the culinary world, cheesy spinach stuffed shells stand as a beacon of comforting indulgence. Envision an ensemble of tender pasta shells, generously filled with a velvety blend of spinach, cheese, and aromatic herbs, bathed in a luscious tomato sauce. Whether you seek a weeknight dinner solution or a culinary centerpiece for special occasions, cheesy spinach stuffed shells beckon with their timeless appeal. Embark on this gustatory journey, as we unveil the secrets to crafting this classic dish, ensuring each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, leaving your taste buds enwrapped in pure delight.

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CHEESY SPINACH-STUFFED SHELLS

Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Shells image

This is my own personal recipe. I'm very proud of it because I am still a beginner cook and it was the first recipe I created. You can adjust it to your liking by doubling the spinach or adding some meat. -Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives
1-1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Additional minced fresh basil, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water., Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until vegetables are tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; cool slightly., In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta cheese, spinach, basil and pepper. Stir in olives, mushroom mixture and 3/4 cup each cheese blend and mozzarella cheese., Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill pasta shells with cheese mixture; place in baking dish, overlapping ends slightly. Spoon remaining sauce over top., Bake, covered, until heated through, 40-45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with additional basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 642mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHEESY SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells image

Want comfort food on demand? These family-friendly baked shells can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen so they're ready to pop in the oven with no day-of work.

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

Sauce
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
Pasta Shells
24 large pasta shells (about 3/4 of a 12 ounce box)
Filling
16 ounces (2 cups) cottage cheese
15 ounces (about 2 cups) part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 ounces frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry of excess liquid
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

For the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
While the sauce simmers, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta shells al dente according to package directions. Drain and immediately place them in an even layer on paper towels or parchment.
For the filling, in a medium bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, parsley, oregano and basil. Add the spinach and mix until combined. Stir in the cheeses.
Lightly grease a 9X13-inch pan with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spoon about half of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared pan and spread evenly. Fill each pasta shell with an even amount of the filling (about 1/4 cup per shell, more or less) and place the shells on top of the sauce in the pan - making three rows of eight shells.
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Uncover and bake five or so more minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let the shells sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses, such as ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
To make the shells easier to stuff, cook them slightly less than al dente.
If you don't have any fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out all the excess water before using.
To make the dish even more decadent, top it with a creamy Alfredo sauce or a simple tomato sauce.
If you're short on time, you can use a jarred marinara sauce.

Conclusion:

Cheesy spinach stuffed shells are a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that your family and friends will love. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give cheesy spinach stuffed shells a try. You won't be disappointed.